On May 28 1951 a new chapter began. Bishop George L Leech founded Good Shepherd Parish. Father Thomas J Simpson became its first pastor. His main goal was building a parish community. Three days later on May 31 1951 the first Mass was held. It took place in the home of Mr and Mrs Daniel Crowley. Their home at 3120 Chestnut Street Camp Hill was the parish’s first church.
Good Shepherd Community Church quickly outgrew this humble space. Hundreds attended Mass. The Camp Hill Theatre became the next worship location. Sunday Masses were held there free of charge. The congregation kept the theatre clean and tidy. On June 10 1951 the first Mass in the theatre drew 100 people. The 10 am Mass had 150 attendees. The church soon saw standing room only crowds every Sunday.
Finding a rectory was another challenge. Father Simpson initially stayed at St Theresa’s. Later a rectory was found at 3223 Market Street. He moved in on December 13 1951. This was the first of many moves as the parish expanded.
Raising funds for a new church and school was crucial. Parishioners held bazaars blanket clubs and other events. They raised money on the old Food Fair parking lot. This collaborative spirit fostered strong bonds within the parish family. Teamwork was essential for their success.
On July 22 1952 the groundbreaking ceremony took place. Sisters of Mercy from St Theresa’s taught religion. Priests taught high school students at Joseph Lawler’s home. Father Simpson worked with religious orders to staff the school. This required a convent. A property at 3315 Market Street was purchased. Arrangements were made with the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary IHM from Immaculata PA. This was completed in May 1953.
The school opened on September 1 1953 with 121 students. There were four classrooms each housing two grades. Bishop Leech blessed and dedicated the church and school on September 13 1953. He celebrated the first Mass there.
The parish debt remained high for two decades. The parishioners were determined to pay it off. The 1960s saw rapid parish growth. It became one of the largest parishes on the West Shore. Father Frederick Bradel became pastor in 1966. An additional house at 6 South 34th Street was purchased as a new convent. The 3315 Market Street property became the rectory and parish office. Father Bradel significantly reduced the parish debt. Father Vincent J Smith continued the effort. Under his leadership the remaining debt was paid off in 1973.
Despite this success the church still had standing room only crowds. Even with the school auditorium in use for Masses the need for a larger church was clear. Trinity High School’s auditorium was also needed for Sunday Masses. Father Smith obtained permission to buy a 7.6 acre site on Trindle Road. The parish family responded with generous donations and pledges totaling $850000.
The new church and rectory groundbreaking was in the summer of 1977. Father Smith and Monsignor Thomas Leitch dedicated the land. The decline of religious vocations affected Good Shepherd School. The IHM Sisters’ numbers decreased. In 1992 they withdrew completely. Good Shepherd Parish remains eternally grateful for their service. They continue to pray for increased vocations to their order.
The new church was finished in late summer 1978. The first Mass and dedication were celebrated on November 5 1978. Bishop Daley was the principal celebrant. Father Simpson and Father Smith were altar concelebrants. Father Smith became a monsignor appointed by Pope John Paul II. Good Shepherd Parish continued to inspire those it served. Its programs focused on community well-being.
The parish paused construction for 25 years. Its community spirit continued to flourish. The Nguyen family a Vietnamese family was sponsored and welcomed. The Helping Hands group provided luncheons after funerals. The Caring Team reached out through corporal works of mercy. They prepared meals provided transportation and visited the sick and homebound. The Arimatheans ministry offered consolation to the bereaved.
In January 1999 Monsignor Smith retired. Father Paul Helwig became pastor. He served until June 2015 when he was assigned to St Margaret Mary Parish. Father Sullivan became pastor on June 30 2019. He strives to bring Jesus to people and people to Jesus. He is inspired by the faith and devotion of the parishioners.